Ensure that Indian farmer gets prosperous: PM to scientists

July 30, 2014 10:20 am

Agencies, New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today urged agricultural scientists to work towards a two-fold objective of enabling the Indian farmer to feed the nation and the world and earn a good income in the process.

Addressing the 86th foundation day of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) here, Mr Modi said the farmer has made a big contribution towards the development of the country.

Mr Modi asked the scientists to elaborate upon their research in simple terms, so that it could be understood by the farmers, and they could be convinced to try out new products and initiatives.

Noting that farming in India is hereditary and practices are difficult to change, the Prime Minister said change can happen only when the farmer is convinced about its efficacy.

‘’Therefore, agricultural scientists must – in accordance with changing circumstances of climate, water and soil – help the farmer get convinced about their initiatives,’’ he said.

To meet the challenge of ‘lab to land’ – taking scientific research to successful interventions – the Prime Minister exhorted agricultural colleges to start radio stations.

‘’Radio programmes run by college students would prove extremely beneficial,’’ he said. The Prime Minister called for a digitised database of all agricultural research in the country. ‘’Young educated and progressive farmers; and agricultural research scholars can together form a talent pool in all districts of the country,’’ he said.

Mr Modi also called for a blue revolution that would extend the benefits of scientific research to the fisheries sector.